Dangote Refinery has achieved another milestone as it exported its maiden shipment of petrol to the United States, signalling a new phase in the country’s refined fuel trade.
This development was confirmed by data from global analytics firm Kpler and market insiders.
The vessel Gemini Pearl departed the Lekki-based refinery on August 26 with approximately 300,000 barrels of gasoline. The cargo is en route to the U.S., with New York or New Jersey among its likely discharge points.
Although Dangote has already sent cargoes to global destinations, including the Middle East and Singapore, earlier in June and July, this is the first shipment directly bound for America.
Market observers note that the move reflects an arbitrage opportunity, as RBOB gasoline prices on the U.S. East Coast have spiked amid thin inventories in PADD 1.
In recent months, the refinery has also stepped in to plug supply gaps in the Middle East Gulf, underlining its growing role as a flexible supplier in the international fuel market. Traders believe Europe could emerge as another strong outlet, provided the refinery’s RFCC unit achieves greater reliability.
Meanwhile, global oil prices edged upward on Tuesday. Brent crude rose 1.63% to $69.26 per barrel, while U.S. WTI gained 2.78% to $65.79. These price adjustments filtered into Nigeria’s domestic market, where ex-depot rates climbed. In Lagos, Rainoil and NIPCO sold petrol at ₦850 per litre, Matrix priced it at ₦865 in Warri and ₦870 in Calabar, while Sigmund set the Port Harcourt price at ₦870.
